by Tyler Dunne, Special to USA TODAY Sports

by Tyler Dunne, Special to USA TODAY Sports

CHICAGO - Standing at the podium after yet another crushing defeat, Cam Newton closed his eyes. He envisioned solutions.

There are ways the Carolina Panthers can move forward, he says.

"We have to go more and more and more, whether it's watching film, whether it's striving for the extra yard or whether it's wrapping it up, we know it has to be made," Newton said. "And for me, I think the challenge is I expect so much from myself. There's a lot that's been said. I understand. Have I been reading it? No. Have I been hearing it? To a degree. I can't let that affect my game play on Sundays.

"There's a lot of criticism and a lot of things expected by myself but no one will ever have any expectations higher than mine. As the leader of this football team, I first look at myself in the mirror."

The man Newton sees in that mirror had positive moments in Sunday's 23-22 loss to the Chicago Bears. The 2011 first overall pick completed 20 of 39 passes for 314 yards, adding another 37 yards on the ground. He also steered a late field-goal drive to give the Panthers the lead with 2:27 remaining. But, again, Newton's mistakes proved costly and the Panthers fell to 1-6.

Post-game press conferences have been re-runs for Newton. The quarterback has drawn scathing national criticism for his despondent demeanor through this turbulent season, even saying he'd bring in a "suggestion box" for reporters. There were no one-liners Sunday, but Newton was certainly hurting.

Leading a superior team, 19-7, the Panthers let another win slip away. Finishing has been a problem for Newton.

"I mean, don't know," Newton said. "I'm conscientious, I remind myself to forget about that play and move onto the next play. Of course there are some throws and decisions and plays I wish I could have had back, whether it's an incomplete pass, a bad pass, we just have to keep going and keep moving and make the most of each and every play."

One familiar sight has been Newton sitting on the bench after drives, sometimes with a towel draped over his head. Newton says he does this all the time, that it's nothing abnormal. That was the scene after Carolina's lone touchdown in the first half. Newton fumbled the ball into the end zone and wide receiver Louis Murphy recovered it.

"Was I angry at myself? Yes I was. I have to do a better job of protecting the football," Newton said. "I was lucky that one of my guys got the football."

He was. And the mistakes caught up with him.

In the first half, Newton skidded one potential touchdown to Steve Smith into the dirt and threw an eyesore interception to Jennings while being taken down for a sack. The Panthers settled for five field goals. In the second half, he couldn't punch the ball in the end zone to put away Chicago. One one third-and-goal, Newton forced a throw to Smith with another receiver open over the middle.

And with 6:52 to go, Newton threw the decisive pick to Jennings. While Smith did slip, Newton says he shouldn't have thrown the ball.

This isn't how Newton envisioned his pro career starting. He's used to winning. At Blinn College, at Auburn. Now, he's 7-16 as a starter.

Onto the next one.

"I'm going to consistently give my best," Newton said. "That's the only thing I can do."